Aviation Cocktail

The Aviation cocktail recipe, first concocted in the early 20th century, quickly became a symbol of pre-Prohibition drinking culture. Originating from Hugo Ensslin, a bartender in New York’s Hotel Wallick, its recipe was first documented in his 1916 “Recipes for Mixed Drinks.” Initially, the drink combined gin, lemon juice, maraschino liqueur, and crème de violette, the last of which lent the cocktail its signature pale sky-blue hue, mirroring the aviation industry and inspiring its name.

Furthermore, the Aviation cocktail was born during a golden age of drinks innovation, a time when bartenders eagerly experimented with new spirits, liqueurs, and flavors, mirroring the era’s adventurous and sophisticated ethos.

However, the cocktail’s popularity waned over the years, particularly as crème de violette became rare, leading many to omit it from the recipe. Consequently, the Aviation lost not only its distinctive color but also a crucial aspect of its flavor profile. Nevertheless, the early 21st century witnessed a resurgence of classic cocktails and, with the return of crème de violette to the market, the Aviation reclaimed its original splendor, reigniting its popularity among enthusiasts.

Moreover, the Aviation is lauded for its exquisite balance of flavours and visual appeal, encapsulating early 20th-century cocktail elegance, innovation, and spirit. Its storied past underscores the lasting allure of meticulously crafted cocktails and the significance of preserving traditional recipes. Today, the Aviation cocktail is celebrated globally, beloved by bartenders and cocktail lovers, and valued for its distinct taste & vcolour,

Aviation Cocktail Ingredients

How to make an Aviation Cocktail

Here’s our step-by-step method for an Aviation cocktail recipe made using Muckross Wild Irish Gin:

1. Chill the Glass: Fill a coupe glass with ice and set it aside. This step chills the glass, ensuring the cocktail stays cold longer.

2. Combine Ingredients: In a cocktail shaker, pour the Gin, Maraschino Liqueur, Crème de Violette, & fresh lemon juice.

3. Shake: Add a handful of ice cubes to the shaker. Secure the lid on the shaker and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds. This not only chills the mixture but also dilutes it slightly, which is crucial for the balance of the drink.

4. Prepare the Glass: Discard the ice from the coupe glass, ensuring the glass is nicely chilled, ready for the cocktail.

5. Strain: Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the cocktail into the prepared coupe glass. The strainer ensures a smooth texture by removing small ice shards and any pulp from the lemon juice.

6. Garnish: Garnish with a cherry or a lemon twist. (See Tip)

7. Serve: Serve the cocktail immediately. The Aviation is best enjoyed fresh to appreciate the delicate balance of its flavours.

Tip

Use Crème de Violette sparingly in your Aviation cocktail recipe to ensure its potent floral notes don’t overpower the drink. Aim for a balance where its unique flavour complements, rather than dominates, the other ingredients.

For the lemon twist garnish, cut a thin slice of lemon peel and twist it over the drink to release the oils, then drop it into the glass or perch it on the rim.

Don’t forget to check out our 10 Best Gin Cocktail recipes for more inspiration. 

Sláinte is táinte!